Cool innovation

[Bill]

[N/A] Cool innovation

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html

Looks interesting

 

[TangoWhiskey]

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html

Looks interesting

Interesting... would the same principle work in the air (small human-powered ultralight)?

 

[Ken Ibold]

Interesting... would the same principle work in the air (small human-powered ultralight)?

Build one and find out!

 

[mikea]

Re: [N/A] Cool innovation

http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html

Looks interesting

It IS cool. And for once they come in size that would fit me.

They're about $1500.
http://www.backyardboats.com/sales/ky.asp

 

[mikea]

Interesting... would the same principle work in the air (small human-powered ultralight)?

I don't think it has the thrust for fixed wing, but I bet a variation with large fabric "fins" could work pretty well on a lighter-than-air in light winds.

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

Interesting... would the same principle work in the air (small human-powered ultralight)?

It worked on a radio controlled pterodactyl flying lizard-type-dinosaur prototype model with pliable membrane wings that was quite a bit below the weight of a conventional human & ultralight but, I don't know how high the gross weight could go.

On a different model built more like a conventional airplane, the flapping wings have taken it with pilot to about 50-60 mph... or just under flying in ground effect.

 

[Richard]

I don't think it has the thrust for fixed wing, but I bet a variation with large fabric "fins" could work pretty well on a lighter-than-air in light winds.

I think you are confusing thrust with power. In the link they spoke only of efficiency, certainly not thrust required and especially not power required for flight. In that they offer a new method of propulsion (occillating Vs rotary 'blades') the whole propulsive horsepower formula may need reworking.